
Dan Dorazio - Offensive Coordinator - O-Line Coach
Dorazio
enters his 36th year of coaching and his eleventh CFL campaign - sixth
with the Lions and second as offensive coordinator. In 2007, anchored
by returning veterans Rob Murphy, Angus Reid, Kelly Bates, Jason
Jimenez and Sherko Haji-Rasouli, Dorazio’s O-line surrendered the
second-fewest sacks in the CFL while opening up rushing lanes for
running back phenomenon Joe Smith – paving the way for a new Lions
single season rushing record of 1510 yards. Dan also played an integral
role in left tackle Rob Murphy’s recognition as the CFL’s Outstanding
Lineman for the second consecutive season.
In 2007, the Lions offence ranked in the top three of 18 offensive
categories, including most points scored (490 – 1st), average points
scored per game (27.2 – 1st), and most first downs – rushing (139 –
1st).
Dan’s professional coaching career began in Calgary in 1998 as the
club’s offensive line coach. He enjoyed five successful seasons in
Calgary (1998-2002) and earned two Grey Cup championships (’98,’01)
Dan’s lengthy coaching career began in 1972 as a student assistant at
Kent State. He would eventually earn the role of coaching the team’s
tight ends in 1974. Dan moved to the University of Hawaii in 1975 where
he remained until 1977. The following season he joined the staff at San
Jose State for one year before continuing his coaching career at the
University of Washington in 1979.
Dan would eventually make stops in Northern Iowa (1980-‘81), Georgia
Tech (1982-83), Washington (1984-‘88), Holy Cross (1989-‘91) and the
University of Maryland (1992-’96). Dan’s final season in the college
ranks before moving to the CFL was at Boston University in 1997.
Dan hails from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Kent State in 1974
with a BS in Education. Dan and his wife Lisa live in the Lower
Mainland. He has two grown children, Daniel and Marisa.
